In the days leading up to the rematch of Gryffindor vs. Slytherin, Harry gets through the fifth D.A. meeting with some improvements of his own. Slowly, but surely, does his wand acclimatise to its new owner during practice. Hermione, however, wastes no time in teasingly congratulating him like a little child, much to the amusement of most. The arrival of Thursday, the 7th of November, sees Harry getting an early morning letter from Sirius recommending that Harry personally accompany him to Gringotts for the Nimbus 2000s' funds.

"...Bill Weasley said there's someone you might be interested to see working there now. I'll have Dobby Disapparate you to Grimmauld at lunch, and remember: keep a low profile.

Regards: Sirius."

Confused and equally excited, Harry remains in the Room of Requirement until the mid-morning break when Ron enters. The latter soon takes a seat on his usual recliner while stretching out.

"Hermione doesn't know we're gonna swap now," says Ron, before spotting Harry's latest letter. "How many do you get?"

"They're usually from Sirius and, occasionally, Tonks too. So, uh, hair please?"

Ron pulls out a couple of strands before glancing at his timetable. "You really wanna brave Snape's class as me? He'd see right through you in a heartbeat, well, unless you suck enough."

"Don't beat yourself down like that, man." Harry grabs the bits of red hair before doing the usual clothing and wand swaps. "Snape already knows about me, so does McGonagall."

"Are you serious?"

"They're Dumbledore's most trusted teachers, remember?"

"Dunno what he sees in Snape though." Ron decides upon battling his way through Binns' essay as Harry heads to the bedroom. After pouring himself a glass of Polyjuice, he adds the hair before transforming and grabbing Ron's bag on the way out.

"See you later, mate."

"Cheers, mate."

Harry's lone walk down many stairs to the dungeons proves rather uneventful this morning. Eventually, he heads down the dungeon corridor that he's seen countless times before while approaching the Potions classroom ahead. The clock hits 11am right as Harry enters the already filled room where Snape awaits him in its centre.

"Five points from Gryffindor for barely making it on time, Weasley. I expect far less tardiness this year, especially from a Prefect."

Many Slytherins snigger and point at Harry while Snape continues to berate him in the centre of the class. The Gryffindors remain fearfully still while Harry forces himself to act like Ron. Snape, however, narrows his eyes while staring into Harry's blue ones, and the latter practically feels the subtle Legilimency being used.

"Well, well." Snape looks around the classroom before curling his lip at Harry. "Feeling a little strange today, 'Weasley'?"

"I'm feeling perfectly normal today, sir."

Malfoy scoffs the loudest of his group while speaking. "That's not saying much, Weasel King."

"Hmm." Snape seems to be looking around with a hint of mischief before snapping his fingers at Harry. "There's your seat for today, Prefect." He appears to be pointing towards a surprised Pansy. "Miss Parkinson, move up for your partner today."

"What? But, sir—"

While Pansy tries to protest the decision, Harry spots Hermione staring at him with widened eyes. Her expression suggests that she realises it's in fact him here today, in Potions where Snape's seen right through him.

"Is there a problem, Miss Parkinson? Do speak up..."

"Several problems, Professor!" Pansy's defiance has the rest of her Housemates in fits of laughter while the Gryffindors scowl in return. "I don't want him screwing up my learning experience today."

"Yeah! You tell 'em, Parkinson."

"Nobody asked you, Nott." Harry snarls but swiftly realises that Snape would certainly punish him more, as he's now Ron.

"Sit down, Weasley, before I throw Gryffindor's 'esteemed' Prefect in detention."

Pansy's look of sheer hostility towards him is one that's truly strange to Harry as he approaches her.

"Don't you friggen sit on that seat, it's Harry's! Take that one." She gestures to her left. "Don't touch me, don't even bother me, and for God's sake don't try and 'help' me with my brewing. Save the screw-ups for your side of the classroom, Weasley. Don't even talk to me about Harry even if you're in contact with him. I don't want to hear your voice while I'm focusing here."

While Snape has the class begin their revision on the Strengthening Solution, Harry sits doing practically nothing. A loud whisper soon comes from a few metres to his right.

"If he so much as looks wrong at you, Parkinson..."

"Shut up, Malfoy," whispers Harry slyly. "Enjoy your Prefect status until Harry Potter returns."

"Returns?" Pansy looks at Harry quite curiously. "Is he really coming back?"

"You said I shouldn't bother you nor screw up your work, so ignore me and get brewing, Parkinson." Harry does as Ron would by glaring at her and sitting somewhat sulkily at this workstation.

"Weasley!"

Harry sighs as he knows that Snape would certainly seize the opportunity of getting him today. Now the former wonders if he's wasted his time by sitting through this one-and-a-half hour lesson.

"Why aren't you doing anything over here, Weasley?"

"Parkinson won't let me near her cauldron, sir."

"Haha!" Zabini points and jeers at Harry while the Slytherins laugh yet again. "And for good reason, Weasel."

"Another five points from Gryffindor for laziness, Weasley." Snape stares down Harry as if awaiting some form of retaliation. But with none headed his way, Snape turns around to inspect the rest of the Gryffindors. Meanwhile, Nott leaves his seat to swiftly sit opposite Pansy, while glaring at Harry.

"I'm watching you, Weasel King."

"Flippin' hell." Pansy drops in her fourth ingredient while glaring at Nott. "You'd better get your arse off Harry's seat."

"But he's long gone," replies Nott. "Times have changed for the better."

"Just because you're Pureblood doesn't mean Parkinson has to love you, boy." Harry leans forward to glare back at Nott while Pansy simply carries on brewing.

"Did you just call me boy? Who the hell do you think you are, Weasley? A blood traitor must address his superiors properly."

"Call me a blood traitor all you want, but at least I have a loving family. All your daddy loves is grovelling to You-Know-Who. Not to mention your dad thinks the same as you, thinks he's entitled to anyone just because of blood status. Women do have tastes, you know..."

"Tastes?" Nott throws his arms up before slamming his fist on the table (which annoys Pansy). "DON'T YOU LECTURE ME LIKE THAT! What would you know about tastes anyway?"

Everyone turns to look at the commotion of a livid Nott, and a casual Harry seated near an uncaring Pansy.

"Mr. Nott," says Snape, while hurriedly approaching the table. "What is the meaning of all this shouting? Why haven't you started on your potion?"

"Weasley's distracting me, sir!"

"You're the one that came running to insult me here, Nott," replies Harry. "Don't blame me if you're not brewing."

"Two points from Gryffindor for speaking out of turn, 'Weasley'. As for you, Nott, get back to your seat and start working. In fact, all of you need to focus on your work if you hope to pass this critical year." Snape strides to take a seat at his desk once again.

"Oi." Harry eventually darts his eyes up from his textbook as Pansy's about to toss in the next ingredient. "Read step seven again."

"Piss off, I suggest you help yourself before looking at others... oh crap!" Pansy scowls at the slight mess-up she's just made.

"I told you so."

Harry's words are ignored as Pansy desperately manages to somewhat correct her brewing. The minutes drag by as Harry eyes various students heavily focused on their work, while Snape remains looking at him from the Professor's desk.

"Two points from Gryffindor for looking around in a clueless manner, Weasley."

Sighing, Harry now directs his attention towards a frowning Pansy, who's finishing her mixture.

"Don't look at me, Weasley!"

"Blimey, does everyone in this class hate me or something? And what if I do look at you, Pansy?"

"Since when do you use my first name?"

"Pug-faced Parkinson."

"If you're trying to get me angry in class, Weasel King, it's not gonna work. Let's see how you do in the rematch come Saturday."

"Don't you miss Harry Potter?"

"I will smack you stupid, well, even more stupid."

"Hermione's quite close with Harry now, you know," says Harry. "Even more so than me, since she even sees him on occasion."

"Perhaps I should have a little talk with the Muggleborn."

The bell soon rings to signal the start of lunch hour as many students place their potion samples on Snape's table. With everyone but Harry having exited, Snape stares him down at the door.

"While you may possess some brewing abilities, I'd suggest that you watch yourself around here."

Deciding to remain in-character for his act, Harry shrugs. "Abilities? I'm not sure what you're talking about, sir. My grades are usually around Acceptable at most."

"Hmph, well do exercise caution around the High Inquisitor, Mr. Weasley, as I won't be held responsible for anything that happens if you're caught. Now get out and get on with your day."

Harry wastes no time hurrying out of Snape's classroom before making his way to the spiralling staircase ahead. Soon, he hears Pansy speaking with Hermione halfway up the stairs as they're in quite a secluded spot.

"What do you want, Parkinson? Come to throw some insults again?"

"I'm here to deliver a message for Harry, since you're apparently in contact with him." Pansy looks to the right as Harry approaches. "Just great. If you tell anyone about this, Weasel, I'll make you pay."

"About what?" Both Harry and Hermione watch confusedly as Pansy grins mischievously. She now puts on a slight bit of lip gloss before turning to face Hermione.

"Here, pass this on to Harry when you see him again."

"Parkinson, what the he— llmmf?"

"Bloody hell!" Harry gawks upon seeing Pansy pulling Hermione in for one passionate kiss on the lips.

Her hands reach behind to firmly grab Hermione's arse during the embrace. Ten long seconds later, Pansy finally pulls away and smirks at the shocked girl.

"You pass that on, understand?" She pats Hermione on the cheek before laughing while climbing up the steps. "Don't be a stranger, Muggle-wuggle Granger!"

"Tell me this is a dream," mutters a bewildered Harry, while Hermione feels her lips.

"I just... I just got kissed by Pansy Parkinson."

"That was the hottest thing, since Fleur herself, that I've seen in this school. Goddamn, that was absolutely nuts..."

"That insulting, annoying... minx of a girl just pulled me into a kiss!"

"Well, I didn't see you resisting at all." Harry grins at the blushing Hermione. "Why didn't you push her away?"

"It all happened too damn fast."

"Looks like my Pansy doesn't mind going both ways at times," whispers Harry in Hermione's ear. "Now that is what I call sizzling hot. You liked it, admit it."

"I did not!"

"Yes you did."

"Prove it." Hermione remains glaring at the grinning Harry, who stands right in front of her.

"Let's see... heavy breathing, pupils dilated—"

"It's dark in here, of course they're dilated!"

"—cheeks flushed... oh you're so turned on by Miss Parkinson, aren't you? Not that I blame you at all."

"Shut up."

"Getting awfully defensive there, Miss Granger. Enjoy the taste of Pureblood? Is she sweet to your sour?"

"I'm sweet and she's sour."

"I think you're both sweet, and I think you both ought to work out your frustrations in the Prefects' Bathroom. Throw off your robes and have some fun, my Mugglebun."

"Oh great, now you've both got new nicknames for me."

"What if we both one day..." Harry rubs his palms together. "Have some fun with you? Triple threat match? Two-on-one? One-on-two?"

"She touched me without my permission, that counts as harassment which I should report."

"Hermione, Pansy was just having some fun with you. Look on the bright side, at least that's better than what used to be 'Mudblood' and other Malfoy-level insults. Besides, it's best not to let anyone else hear about this."

"So I should just let Parkinson have her way with me?"

"What's the worst that could happen?"

Hermione's expression turns embarrassed indeed as she decides to rather drop the topic. "Isn't there something you need to do right now?"

"Oh yeah, Sirius." Harry hurries up to the seventh floor corridor before entering the Room of Requirement with Hermione. As Pansy's technically seen 'Ron' witnessing her kiss, Harry decides upon informing the real one anyway.

"WHAT? That's absolutely, one-hundred percent mental! Merlin's most saggy left—"

"Okay!" laughs Harry. "I think we get it."

"It's now two hours since you took your last Polyjuice dose," says Hermione. "But, surely you're not planning on going to Diagon Alley as Ron? That's going to raise more than a few questions."

"Perhaps I'll wait things out at Grimmauld until I'm back to normal. Just gonna put my hoodie up and head off to the bank like before."

Minutes later, Dobby appears to transport Harry (who's already swapped wands with Ron) to the dining room of Number 12, Grimmauld Place. The elf bows before returning to Hogwarts while Harry's greeted by an amused Sirius.

"Well hello there, Ron! Skiving off from school are we?"

"Very funny, Sirius."

"Your mother certainly wouldn't approve of you being out of Hogwarts...hmm..." Sirius' mischievous grin lets Harry immediately know what he's planning. "How about a surprise prank on dear Molly?"

"Are you nuts?"

"Come on, James, just for old times' sake."

"No way. Last thing I need is for her to send a letter... maybe even a Howler... that's intercepted by the High Inquisitor. That, and how do you think she'll react to her Prefect son's education being occasionally disrupted by me?"

"You said Ron studies when you're taking his place in class, right?"

"Yeah, but Mrs. Weasley can be very pedantic. So, I'm afraid we can't pull this Polyjuice prank on her." Harry remains defiant in his decision, which Sirius eventually accepts. "Where's Tonks? I'd like to tease her over my transforming abilities."

"At work, Harry. She is an Auror, remember?"

"When's she coming home? I do like Tonks."

"Of course you do. I think she'll be back around this evening."

With little else to do besides wait things out, Harry and Sirius remain at Grimmauld for the next few hours. In respect for his godfather's intended Christmas surprise, Harry doesn't mention nor approaches the bedroom decorated for him at all. After another two hours of sitting around, casting spells, studying, and having lunch, he soon reverts back to his own self.

"Now there's the Harry that I remember, it's about time."

"It's just after two, shall we be off to Diagon Alley?"

"You bet. Bill's got a nice little surprise for you." Sirius smiles at Harry as the latter heads to the boys' bedroom on the second floor to get changed. But once he's in his usual casual wear, Harry hears a familiar voice:

"You'd better get back to school as soon as possible to fill that empty head of yours, young Slytherin," says the portrait on the wall. Instead of its usual bland backdrop, there's now the image of a clever-looking wizard with a pointed beard. His Slytherin-themed outfit elicits a smile from Harry, though his cold, snide tone does not.

"Excuse me?"

"You are not excused, Mr. Potter. Pfft, adolescents, forever caught up in their own little problems thinking the world revolves around them. You may be one of the most famous Slytherins around but there are hundreds of students at Hogwarts. Is mediocrity your aim in life? This is O.W.L. year you are currently missing."

"Well, Professor Black, sir, what exactly am I supposed to do?" asks Harry, while facing the portrait of Phineas Nigellus. "I don't know a thing about politics so I'd be making a fool of myself trying to argue. Professor Dumbledore's taken charge of that."

"And you call yourself a Slytherin?" Phineas Nigellus looks Harry up and down before continuing. "Letting Professor Dumbledore dictate your fate like this? Don't you want your own freedom? Where's the ambition, the cunning, or the self-preservation attitude required by those in our House?"

Folding his arms and narrowing his eyes, Harry replies. "Trying to make me doubt in the Headmaster, eh? I'm afraid that's not going to work, Mister previous Headmaster, sir."

"Don't get smart with me, boy, get smart with your work. What exactly are you up to these days that you're not sitting with your books? It's already November and you've barely grasped a basic understanding of O.W.L. year."

"I've got my own issues to deal with, thanks."

"Oh, boo-hoo cry me a river, would you?" Phineas Nigellus scoffs derisively in his frame. "If you're going to be part of this family, and spending time in our home, then it is expected of you to sit with your books. Ditch the riffraff waste of time and get studying right this instant. Or do you wish to bring shame upon yourself like all adolescents do?"

A knock on the bedroom door is soon followed by Sirius entering.

"Hey, what's taking so long? Oh, great, you're having a chat with my great-great-grandfather..."

"Be quiet, Sirius, do not interrupt a conversation between two Slytherins," says Phineas Nigellus.

"Don't listen to his complaints, Harry, I used to interrupt conversations between Slytherins all the time. Sorry, bad habit."

"Not focusing on your work, Mr. Potter, is what I'd call a 'bad habit'. Don't wait on Dumbledore to sort things out as that could take forever and ever. There's just about six or so months left of what should be your fifth year. So go sort your own issues out before it's too late."

Sirius raises his voice over his ancestor's. "With all due respect, great-great-grandfather, perhaps you ought to return and take a nap in the Headmaster's office, thanks." Sirius begins leading Harry out of the room while Phineas Nigellus speaks.

"You're only sabotaging yourself like this, young Slytherin."

The pair shuts the bedroom door before Sirius lowers his voice as they descend the steps.

"He's full of it, you know. Trying to make you all 'super independent' and stuff. Look, I do understand that it's great to be free but we need to exercise caution in these times, as Voldemort is certainly planning something behind the scenes. Having you acting out on the pretence of 'freedom and self-independence' is only going to make you an easier target." They eventually approach the Black family tapestry hanging in the drawing room. "You're still only fifteen, Harry, and not some independent-overly-powerful-superhero or something. See this?"

Harry looks to see Sirius pointing at a familiar face on the tapestry, someone whom the former is fairly well acquainted with.

"Poor old Bella, who you've already met and swapped insults with in prison. This is what happens to someone who thinks they know it all. As a kid, she was just about decent enough even while brainwashed by the usual Black family nonsense. But over time, right back at school already, she started wanting to know more and more, as well as idealising Voldemort's ways. She wanted to be 'free and independent' too, and look what that's done to her."

"But I'm nobody's puppet either."

"Of course you aren't, Harry. You're the son of two brilliant folks who've both made waves at school. People are often quick to remember Lily's brilliance but let's not forget your dad as well. The Marauder's Map, for instance, was just one of our wicked ideas. Becoming Animagi, right under everyone's noses, so we could keep Moony company under the moonlight was also brilliant of us all. James was a kick arse Chaser and adored by so many, but did he hit the books 24/7 or demand higher status? No."

Sirius smiles upon remembering fond old memories.

"There's a fine balance in life, Harry, between overwork and underperforming. Bellatrix went nuts trying to exceed everyone's expectations, including her own, to please her idols. Compare that to your father who kept his grades up, but who also made time for the fun parts of life. So don't listen to old Phineas' rubbish. Remember that he was likely the least favourite Headmaster Hogwarts ever had."

They eventually exit the house before making their way, via Muggle transport, to Charing Cross road en route to the Leaky Cauldron. With his hood up, Harry moves swiftly while Sirius' presence seems to draw some attention as they hurry onwards. Through the archway they travel into Diagon Alley and, eventually, towards Gringotts Bank.

"Voldemort's playing to his strengths by laying low," whispers Sirius, as the pair enter the bank to approach the counters. "That's why we haven't seen anything suspicious on our way here."

Everything seems to be in order as Sirius offers to pay for the brooms. After presenting his key, the trio of two wizards and a goblin set off for vault 711. There appears to be a reasonable amount of gold inside the rather deep vault where 700 Galleons are withdrawn in a bag. With their transaction complete, the group returns to the marble hall where Bill Weasley calls Harry over. The former stands at one of many doors leading off the main hall as he waves at Harry.

"You go on ahead," says Sirius. "I'll take a seat until you're back so... have fun."

"I still dunno what the heck this is about but alright." Harry leaves his godfather seated in a corner of the main hall before approaching Bill. "Hey, since when do you work a desk job, Mister travelling Curse-Breaker?"

"I guess you really missed out on the Summer holidays' discussions, but we'll leave that for some other time. Let's see..." Bill checks his watch. "Yep, just over half an hour left of some people's breaks. I convinced her to take hers now, even though she's fixated on her new job."

"Who?"

"Someone I know you might like." Bill leads Harry down a lengthy L-shaped corridor before coming to a halt outside a door on the far right. "Mum was worried sick over you, ever since you got taken away."

"Yeah, I'd rather not discuss that now."

"I can understand. But take this as an opportunity to rekindle some old love, which it seems you're in real need of. Dementors did a number on your face I must say."

"This is nothing compared to when I came out," replies Harry, while Bill knocks and enters the rather lavish office.

A peek in lets Harry see well-polished flooring, bronze filing cabinets and an elegant desk at the back of the room.

"Hey," says Bill to someone leaning over some paperwork. "Hello, hardworker, there's someone here to see you. This is supposed to be break, you know."

"Well, zis work will not feenish zemselves, you know."

That sweet accent has Harry rushing into the office to get a better look. He can hardly believe his eyes at seeing the young woman sitting with quill in right hand, and her pretty cheek resting on her left fist. Sleek, silvery blonde hair cascades down to her shoulders (and partly touching the desk too) as she continues to write.

"Well, I guess I'll give you two some privacy. Try not to make too much noise, if things go that way, cheers." Bill pats Harry on the back before taking his leave and closing the door.

Meanwhile, Fleur continues to check, fill out, and review various parchments on her desk as Harry stands fondly admiring her. Warm, fuzzy feelings surge from within as he continues to watch her every move.

"If you 'ave nuzzing important to ask me zen please leave my office."

She doesn't seem to realise that it's Harry who's standing metres away. His eyes follow the locks of hair resting on Fleur's smooth cheeks, and even her focused expression melts his heart. Memories of their time spent together steadily flash through Harry's mind.

"'Ooever you are standing at ze door, I do not appreciate being stared at on ze job. You can stare at me outside, in a pub, wherevair else, but not in my work." She begins to grow highly annoyed while furiously scribbling across her parchment. "If William Weasley zinks 'e is funny sending people to stare at me 'ere, I will be sure to give 'im a beeg scoldi—"

A slight, saddened smile crosses Harry's face upon locking eyes with Fleur's deep blue. The room feels strangely silent as they gaze upon each other for the first time in over four months. Silence soon broken by a quill dropped onto the table as a chair is pulled out from the desk. Unsure of how to respond, Harry remains still as Fleur slowly stands up from her seat.

"'Arry?"

"Um, hi."

She practically sprints across the office, even while barefoot, to grab him into a long-awaited embrace. Soft hands soon cup his cheeks tenderly before Harry wraps his arms around Fleur's waist. For nearly a minute they stand simply looking at each other, remembering the joys of last year.

"Fleur, you left your shoes at the desk."

"I cannot believe zat you truly went to zat 'orrible place. You... look so very tired, 'Arry, what 'ave zey done to you?"

Determined to remain calm and composed, Harry speaks while Fleur strokes his cheeks. "I thought you'd left Britain forever."

"No point in crying all day long." She tilts his chin slightly up while looking at him. "I am so truly happy to see you again."

"What? No tears or crying into my arms or saying how much you admire me?"

A warm smile now appears on Fleur's face as she pulls Harry closer. "Zat is for you to do, since you are ze one 'oo 'as missed me so much, correct?"

"I'd be lying if I said no, leetle Miss Delacour."

"Just because ze Boy-'Oo-Leeved 'as grown one leetle inch since last school year, 'e zinks 'e is a big man now." Fleur kisses him firmly on the lips before wrapping her arms around Harry. "Well, I 'ave grown 'alf an inch since leaving school so you are still my leetle darling."

"We might as well share an office now that I'm kicked out of school."

Fleur's expression instantly saddens as her large, blue eyes widen a slight bit. The faintest hint of tears well up as she remains holding Harry against her.

"You must sue zem for all zis trouble one day, 'Arry, make zem pay for what zey 'ave done. But please not cry because zere is still 'ope zat you will go back. I was beginning to zink zat you 'ave forgotten about me after everything zat 'as 'appened since June."

"How could I ever forget a woman like you? Last school year, besides its end, was the best one of my life. All the fun we had, the first two tasks, everything was just so amazing. You're still as beautiful as I remember."

"Zank you, 'Arry, and I say you do still look good to me. It 'as only been a few months anyway, but zose must 'ave felt like years in zat Azkaban place. Forget ze effects of ze dementors on your face, I can still do zis if I want."

"Do wha—" Harry can't help but laugh as Fleur kisses him on each cheek, leaving rather pleasant burning sensations. "And I can still do this if I want."

He now runs his hands through her silky soft hair, causing Fleur to give a splendid grin that goes right up to her sparkling eyes.

"I really missed you, 'Arry. Shall we sit down? Zere is still fifteen minutes of my break left. Please do get off your feet and relax."

While Fleur walks to take a seat on a single couch near her desk, Harry rushes to fetch a chair for himself.

"What are you doing?" Fleur giggles as Harry (with chair in hand) turns to see her sitting on what is now a double couch. "Silly adorable boy, zis is magic." Her expression then turns to worry as she holds her own wand. "Do you... can you still do all zis?"

"Of course I can!" Harry withdraws his wand. "See my new one, pretty nice, eh? Please don't tell everyone about it."

"Is your new wand ze only zing zat seems to be a few inches bigger zan when I last saw you?" She laughs softly behind her hand as Harry tries to find a witty response. "Relax, I was just joking. But if I asked you to sit down, zen I am not joking."

Harry immediately takes his seat beside her while Fleur pulls him closer to rest his head on her shoulder. Even while she's dressed in formal attire, her presence feels as warm as ever for Harry now.

"Let us not talk about your 'orrible summer. Instead, 'ow are you coping with all zat 'as 'appened?"

"I'm just waiting for all the legal stuff to be sorted out," replies Harry, while placing his hand on her lap. "I need to go back and finish this year."

"Whenever I 'ave a day of leave, maybe I can teach you a leetle bit? I am not as good as a professor but I can try."

"Hermione Granger's trying to keep my theory going, I wouldn't mind if you could duel with me at home. Um, you'll have to ask Bill about my godfather's place. Secret charm and all that."

"Zere should be about seven leave days available for me until ze end of zis year. I am still new, you see. But it would be a pleasure to beat you, my darling."

"Oh really?" Harry swiftly looks at the smirking Fleur. "I might just surprise you, Mon Chéri."

"Oh! 'E remembers ze words!" Fleur laughs before grabbing Harry into another warm hug. "Would you like some lunch?"

"Excuse me?" Harry glances in surprise at the seemingly random question. "How did we go from love to food?"

"Well." Fleur summons her lavish lunchbox from her desk. "Zere are no rules against 'aving zem together, but let us eat something now. My poor leetle teddy bear needs to be fed. 'Ave a sandwich, 'Arry, or better yet... let me feed ze pretty boy."

For the next few minutes, Harry amuses himself by letting Fleur feed him a sandwich. To her surprise, he returns the favour as well.

"So weird."

"Yes you are, 'Arry."

"Now that you're here, how long do you plan on staying?"

"William 'as told me about ze group which you are all part of, I will not say its name. But it is good to know zere are people willing to see ze truth of what is 'appening nowadays. As for me, well, zere are plenty of reasons why I would like to be 'ere to 'elp your group."

Harry reckons that Fleur's referring to the Order of the Phoenix, and she'd no doubt have joined up in memory of her murdered friend.

"So, you do not 'ave to worry about me returning to stay at 'ome for too long. But I will still check up on my family and close friends, yes?"

"Of course," says a smiling Harry. "Whatever makes you happy."

"Very good zat you understand. Now 'ow about we share a leetle something before you 'ave to leave at ze end of my break? Something to act as an apology for our quite short time together zis afternoon."

Once again, their lips meet for a slow, soothing kiss. Everything feels so right, so wonderful, before Harry eventually opens his eyes as their embrace ends. Fleur's warm hands now run through his hair while she stands up.

"I do not wish to get you into any trouble around 'ere, 'Arry. You already 'ave more zan enough to deal with in zese dangerous times." She helps him to his feet before holding his hands. "When I am off from work and knowing where your place of stay is, zen I look forward to 'elping you get better. My leetle love must get stronger for ze challenges of 'is difficult life."

"That is very much appreciated, Fleur. And I really do wish you the best of luck with your new job."

Fleur smiles before laughing quite softly. "I will also take ze opportunity of trying to better my Eenglish, zen per'aps I shall not sound too silly when talking to people."

"They're the ones that are silly if they think your English is that bad. You're fairly okay with it, you know."

"Of course I know, you know. It was just a zought. Well, I suppose we should be saying our goodbyes for now."

"You're not going to walk with me down the corridor outside?"

"It is better for you to stay hidden with zat hoodie up, my pretty. Ze world is probably looking to do you much 'arm zese days. 'Arry, let me say zat it was really wonderful to see you again, no matter 'ow short zis was, Mon Chéri."

With a smile upon his face, and a precious warmth in his chest, Harry greets Fleur before exiting her office. Bill eventually leads him to the marble hall where Sirius has them swiftly exiting the bank to a chilly autumn's afternoon.

"Feeling any better? How'd your leetle reunion go?"

"Perfect, if not a tad short."

"That's how things are going to be from here on out. With Voldemort back, the good things tend to be so short..."

They soon head to Quality Quidditch Supplies where Sirius orders the required amount of Nimbus 2000 brooms. This is followed by exiting the shop, and then he pauses beside another one.

"Sorry, I was just thinking about Godric's Hollow."

"My family, yes." Harry sees that he and Sirius are standing right beside an ice cream parlour, which makes him grin. "Why not spoil ourselves for a bit? Our little family, I mean? Buy us each a tub to enjoy later on. You, me, and Tonks deserve something nice and sweet."

"Now that's a great idea! Keep low while I buy desserts." Sirius enters with Harry as they do business remarkably quick before starting their journey home. It proves far quicker to side-along Apparate from within the Leaky Cauldron to Grimmauld place before Harry finds himself in the dining room once more.

"Couldn't we have just done that in the first place instead of going all Muggle?"

"Yes and no," replies Sirius, who sets a few tubs of ice cream upon the dining table. "Common decency has us Apparating on people's doorsteps or anywhere outside the building rather than directly inside. That's assuming we're even able to arrive inside the place. It's highly offensive to simply pop out of nowhere in someone's establishment, and this includes the Leaky Cauldron too."

"And we certainly can't just pop out of nowhere in broad daylight along Charing Cross, eh? That puts us right on the Leaky Cauldron's doorstep... and most likely in view of Muggles passing by."

"Exactly, Harry. But once we entered the building from Diagon Alley's side we could side-along Apparate outta there. Best choice was to come directly into this wretched home since nobody's really at home anyway. But now that we're here, others probably won't simply pop into the place. You already know that Claremont Square opposite us is usually the best stop for an Apparition arrival, preferably in the dark. Popping sound can pass for anything with Muggles, so we usually check to see who's looking out their windows before crossing the street."

Spells keep the ice cream well chilled for the next few hours until Tonks arrives at 5pm. She enters, narrowly avoids tripping, then tiptoes down the hallway into the dining room where Harry beams at her.

"Good evening, Tonks."

"Wotcher, kiddo...uh, we having a party or something? Nice!"

"You can thank Harry for the idea, since he's the one that thought to get us desserts," says Sirius, who's already halfway through his tub. "Which one is Dora's, now again?"

"Which one do you think?" Harry looks from Sirius, to Tonks, before opening a tub of pink. "And it's bubblegum flavour as well, yeah."

"How'd you know I love bubblegum flavoured ice cream?" asks Tonks, while sitting down beside the grinning Harry.

"I think you mentioned it back when we were all cleaning here before the World Cup final."

"You seriously remember such a minor conversation from over a year ago?" Tonks seems torn between being amused and impressed as she savours a spoonful of dessert. "Mmmmm, this is just what a girl needs after a day spent investigating potential threats. If I have to read one more thing on Theodore Nott Senior today..."

"Here's one for you: he's always been eyeing Mrs. Parkinson like he's entitled to her," says Harry.

"Fat chance of that happening," laughs Sirius. "Nott Senior's an ugly git on the inside and out. You want another piece of info, Tonks? Harry over here's always been mushy mushy with the little Parkinson, which you probably already know. Oh, and Theodore Nott Junior doesn't approve."

"And before You-Know-Who returned, I remember you being quite friendly with the girl's mum, Sirius," replies Tonks, while scooping up some ice cream with her spoon.

"Yeah well, that's no longer possible these days." Sirius continues through his dessert while Harry gets started on his own.

"What is this? Some kind of kids and adults tag team match?" asks an amused Tonks. "Notts Jr. and Sr. trying to go for mum and daughter Parkinson but are forever thwarted by the big, bad Sirius Black and his godson."

"Mmm, this sure is delicious," says Harry, while savouring a spoonful of his ice cream.

"Mint, really?" Tonks sighs. "So predictable of you, but lemme have a taste."

Harry uses the same spoon he's eating with to give Tonks a sample which she finds pleasant enough.

"Still prefer bubblegum though. You stick to your Slytherin mint and I'll stay pink, yeah?"

As the clock nears halfway to six, the family of three remain at the table while finishing their desserts. This is followed by Tonks persuading Harry to keep up with his studies as they eventually lounge around in the drawing room.

"I say you should practice some Transfiguration because that's one of the hardest parts of the O.W.L. exams. Maybe try vanishing Kreacher?"

"Not funny," replies Harry, as he settles upon vanishing the tubs of dessert which they've just finished earlier. The rest of their evening's spent sitting around on the floor while Harry tries keeping up with some fifth-year work. Sirius soon joins the pair, and Harry can't help but smile from having his little family at his side like this.